County Prepares To Spend Mental Health Funds
The Department of Mental Health has unofficially approved Ventura County's spending plan for Proposition 63 funds, the Ventura County Star reports. State voters in 2004 approved Proposition 63, which increased the state income tax by 1% on annual incomes that exceed $1 million.
County Behavioral Health Director Linda Shulman on Monday said that she expects a formal letter of approval soon. Shulman proposed using the funds to hire:
- About 20 new employees for programs serving the county's elderly population, including one that would provide in-home counseling;
- Eight workers for a crisis team that would answer calls throughout the county; and
- Social workers to provide follow-up care for jail inmates.
The county expects about $6.8 million in Proposition 63 funds this fiscal year and more than $10 million annually in subsequent years (Wilson, Ventura County Star, 7/24). This is part of the California Healthline Daily Edition, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.